LONDON—Military space leaders that form the three nations that make up the AUKUS pact are planning ways to increase cooperation in orbit under the next pillar of the agreement, though the talks are still in the early stages.
The first pillar of the Australia-UK-U.S. pact, signed in December 2023, focuses on the sale of Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines to Australia in the early 2030s. The second pillar is focused on other advanced military technologies, many of which are classified though the nations highlighted maritime awareness, networked autonomy and enhanced strike as possible areas.
U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman says the nations have also agreed that Pillar II will also involve future space capabilities.
“What we’re doing is we’re seeing question number one: Is there room in Pillar II for a space discussion? I think that answer is yes,” Saltzman said on the sidelines of the Global Air and Space Chiefs Conference here. “Second, what should that include? Now, let’s have that discussion. So, we are at that stage of planning.”
AUKUS Pillar II is not the only potential agreement for increased cooperation among the nations, with other ongoing efforts underway. They include the U.S.-led Operation Olympic Defender—the ongoing international space operation that includes Australia, Canada and the UK. Earlier this month, Saltzman tapped UK Royal Air Force Air Marshal Paul Godfrey to join his staff in the Pentagon.
Godfrey, speaking alongside Saltzman on July 17, said part of his job will be helping the U.S. Space Force look at how it can construct its future architecture to better operate with other nations.
Related Content
